Bully stepbrother

16. Friend?

MADISON

We step out of our building, hand in hand, giving off the appearance of a couple. Caleb is engrossed in a phone call with someone named Jeffery, so I let my gaze wander around the surroundings, focusing on trivial things like the two men rummaging through the dumpster. Standing next to Caleb, I flinch slightly, and he releases my hand to wrap his arm around my shoulder, drawing me close.

He tilts his head and nods, a reassuring smile on his lips, radiating a sense of safety that's hard to resist.

I can't help but wonder what Caden's reaction is to this change in circumstances. It's not like he'll ever be okay with my relationship, especially since he's never been in a position where he has to watch me leave with anyone who has a soul. I'd bet he's currently wallowing in self-pity over his failure, while I'm here with a boyfriend of my own.

If he thinks he's so terrible, he should know that I can play the game too. While he can have that conniving woman, I have a responsible man who looks out for me.

Ugh! The intense dislike I feel whenever I think of Avery being in my house makes me wish I could demolish the entire building with a bulldozer.

"Hello?" I'm suddenly brought back to the present when I notice five fingers waving in front of my eyes.

Oh, crap. I've been so lost in contemplating Caden's idiocy that I've been standing still like a bewildered third wheel in a not-so-comedic movie.

"Don't tell me those two guys really got to you? They're the new security personnel for this street," Caleb's voice carries a tinge of concern.

My gaze shifts to the two men, and I wonder what their deal is. "No, but when you say security, I'm not entirely at ease with the idea that the safety of this street relies on two men who seem more interested in the neighborhood garbage than in observing any suspicious activities."

Caleb chuckles and opens the door to his black, sleek, and tinted monster truck. Even with his help, I have to jump to get into the luxurious and pleasantly fragrant interior of the vehicle.

He grabs the door's edge and his smile widens. "Look at it this way-it's a good thing. You can sneak around from window to window while those two bond with the morning trash."

I giggle and roll my eyes. "I don't exactly do window crawling."

Caleb narrows his eyes in a way that makes my stomach flip in the best possible way. "I'm not entirely convinced. But I do accept bribes, and we could arrange for that."

His infectious smile spreads to my face, and I can't help but ask what kind of bribe he's suggesting.

"Kisses would suffice. A long, passionate French kiss that would turn heads in the neighborhood."

I observe him for a moment, struggling to contain the smile tugging at my lips. Speaking of lips, you should see Caleb's. Of course, I have no objections to kissing him indefinitely; we might even draw a crowd.

"Have you considered it?" he smirks.

"I think I might," I reply with a nod, closing the gap between our faces and indulging in a warm, lingering kiss.

He smells just like the attractive male characters from TV shows I've always fantasized about. I'd love to inhale his scent entirely, though that might come off as a bit strange. But can you blame me? It's nice to have a change after years of smelling only my stepbrother's scent, which other girls claim works wonders. For me, it simply echoes, "Your life is mundane; you need more experiences."

After what feels like an eternity, Caleb rejoins me in the truck, and we set off. He holds my hand in his free hand, occasionally stealing kisses, until we reach a public diner where the festival is being held.

There are only a few cars parked along the street; given the date and time, most people would choose a battle of the bands event over a charity food festival. Normally, I wouldn't bother, as I tend to be quite antisocial, and this situation is outside my comfort zone. But for the sake of our relationship, I swallow down my nerves, which are twisting in my stomach.

"Let's go," Caleb says after turning off the ignition.

I step out of the car, trying to appear as every other girl on campus. However, inside, I'm a bundle of nerves. I curse the bitterness that overtook Caden, causing him to ruin my social life. I should have learned how to handle crowded places, especially now.

At least with Caleb holding my sweaty hand, I feel a semblance of stability.

"Our booth is just by..." he begins, but his gaze lands on a coffee stand, and he amends, "The coffee stand."

I chuckle and let him lead the way.

A short guy stands by the stand, his hair flying around his face, his shirt unbuttoned, revealing an array of tattoos.

"Finally, I can leave this spot." The guy breathes a sigh of relief, gesturing to a table cluttered with water bottles and various canned drinks.

"Sorry for keeping you caged, Jeffery," Caleb retorts, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"You could say that. I'm off to get ready for the party." Jeffrey circles around the stand and playfully slaps Caleb's back. "You should come by, and bring the hot girl too."

Hot girl? Initially, I mentally scoff. Not that I doubt my attractiveness, but the term "hot" doesn't quite fit me. Secondly, this guy needs to leave; he's making me uncomfortable. He's practically licking his lips in slow motion-his attempt at charm, I suppose. Well, if that's his strategy, he's failed miserably, as he's only managed to intimidate me.

"Jeffery, this is my friend Madison."

Friend?